When and how did you decide to choose fashion designing as a career?
Most of us have ambitions about the greater or smaller things we would like to achieve in life. In August 2019 at the venerable age of 72, I fulfilled my teenage dream to launch a fashion label, Magi Rose London. I had carried the ambition to develop a clothing brand for the best part of 50 years. So why had I carried that dream for so long, and how did Magi Rose London get started?
I grew up on the Caribbean Island of Jamaica and started my working life, aged 17, as an attendant in, ‘Calypso’, a ladies clothing boutique in the resort town of Ocho Rios. This is where my love of fashion was ignited, and I first had the idea for a fashion collection. The clothes were so vibrant and elegant. I loved how something as simple as a shift dress could convey a sense of great style upon the wearer.
However well intended, being a fashion designer was not a practical way forward at that time. Instead, I travelled to England, on a banana boat, to pursue a career in nursing. I spent the next 48 years working in healthcare both in UK and Canada, rising through the ranks from staff nurse to my last post, a joint appointment as Professor of Clinical Practice and Innovation with the University of Wolverhampton and The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust.
Clothes always remained something I enjoyed. I feel fortunate that my career took me to places where I knew what it was to dress-up; be that in meeting rooms across the world or the Vienna Opera House. In contrast, I have been in situations where the only option was to dress-down, for example, when working in burnt-out buildings or onboard navy ships, training students in simulated rescue missions.
Finding myself frustrated at the abundance of fast fashion and often poor-quality high-street options available I wanted to provide alternatives for women and men who are happy to invest in high-quality, long-lasting, smart/casual clothing that is suitable for summer and year-round sunny vacations.
So, I decided that retirement, rather than being an end would be a new beginning, offering me the perfect opportunity to fulfil my lifelong passion to create my own clothing collection.
What is your favorite part of being a fashion designer?
There are many exciting and wonderful instances in being a fashion designer, from choosing the perfect fabric for a particular garment to feeling a sense of happiness and fulfilment when you see someone wearing your design and it fits perfectly. For me it is the creative process, taking an idea and nurturing it through all the design phases to develop a whole garment that fits perfectly and is worn in the situation it is created for.
How has your work evolved since you began your own label?
The Magi Rose London website was launched in August 2019 with our signature garment the Magi Bagi Playsuit. By Spring of 2020 I had added the Shift Dress, the Swing Dress and the Jumpsuit. My third launch was the Tye Dress and the Mikki Flight Suit in autumn 2021. All garments that I am immensely proud of.
The designs you created are no doubt good enough, but who and which things were your inspiration while creating such designs?
Clearly, fashion design is not something one learns to do overnight. I was supported and expertly mentored through all the production processes by Katy Cordina, Director of Fashionworks London (fashionworkslondon@gmail.com) an agency that supports fashion start-ups. Early business processes were informed by Irene Moore irene@irenemoore.com award-winning business mentor, consumer behaviour expert and serial entrepreneur.
So, if you are seeking clothes that are bold, superbly engineered in an elevated style, then look no further than the Magi Rose collection designed to give you year-round gravitas. We focus on the details, so you don’t have to! These simple styles belie the imaginative and thoughtful tailoring, where the focus is on comfort, practicality, grace, and ethical manufacturing. Your job is simply to wear these timeless pieces with the fullest confidence and enjoy the admiring glances of all you meet!
Does your approach differ when designing menswear compared to womenswear?
In my experience the design process for women and men does not differ.
Where do you see your brand “Magi Rose” in the future?
Needless to say, Magi Rose like so many other businesses was impacted severely by the COVD pandemic because as a brand it was just coming to market. Our immediate concern is to have a good summer trade so we can restock and scale up. Whether it’s for a flawless summer look or a winter getaway, we’ve got you covered with a range of bold, vibrant, laid-back elegance that will have you feeling and looking amazing!
And guys whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure the Mikki Flight Suit will make all your adventures more comfortable. So, ditch the jeans and choose the Mikki for a cooler and more imaginative option when you’re on the go. This suit is designed for your comfort and confidence and is the perfect look for a getaway. Step up your travel style game with Mikki!
What do you believe are the essential elements needed to be successful as a fashion designer?
The essential elements to be a successful fashion designer is the ability to design for people and give them the wardrobe choices that they require. Some of these elements are listed below.
Magi Rose benefits to you:
- Happier – discovering interesting and distinctive, high-quality clothing
- Comfort – cool cotton sateen or linen, packable, easy-care, great for travel
- Enriching – hardwearing, an old friend that is always new
- Fun & Enjoyment – versatility, day to evening, perfect for lazy weekends
- Fabulous — fit and flair
- Exclusivity – brand printed premium fabrics
- Helping to maintain a low carbon footprint – Made in the UK
- Purchasing power – supporting industry where staff get a fair wage and work in environmentally safe conditions
Now, you have just been announced as one of the sponsors for the prestigious 8th annual National Film Awards UK. This is an amazing achievement for your company. How excited are you to partner with the National Film Awards UK?
“We are privileged and super excited to partner with the National Film Awards this year. Fashion and the film industry go hand in hand, so we are thrilled to introduce film fans to the Magi Rose brand.”
Where can readers reach you in case they want to purchase your Clothes?
The Magi Rose collection is available for purchase via www.magirose.co.uk
Email: magi@magirose.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)1425 638572
Facebook/Instagram @magiroselondon
